Help with Creationism Discussion

Originally Posted by Sundae Girl

Creationists use the terms Micro-evolution and macro-evolution to explain things like dog breeding. They agree that selective breeding can alter appearance, size, strength etc, but believe that in order to breed selectively you need to start with a pair of existing animals. In other words there is no evidence that all life has evolved from non-living chemicals available in the scientific community. You'll be fighting a losing battle I'm afraid.

Micro-evolution?

Originally Posted by Elspode

Rkz, keep in mind what you'll be doing battle against:

"God said it, I believe it, that's the end of it".

You will note that nowhere does this statement contain anything regarding critical thinking, examination of existing evidence, nor allowing for free thinking where anything concerning God is concerned. I will assume that this includes Creation.

Honestly, I don't think of debate and the free-exchange of ideas (this is about ideas & available data... has nothing to do with belief) as "battle" or arguing.
In other sites, some have gotten upset when I have presented my views on this, very confusing. If you don't want to be presented with opposing views backed with data to support them, why would you get into a discussion about something?
I learned a great deal about the Civil War that I was very wrong about... one example... I was nothing but grateful.
Same has been true about the way I have read Buddhist texts in the past, very personal for me. Would one not want to know that they are basing their opinions on false data? I am not infallible, no one is, we must base our actions with that in mind at all times, no?
There is always a chance that I am wrong, it is simple.
At the same time, data is data, and when I have data from a source, or sources I trust (that is an objective source) it is not personal in any way, it just is... no argument, just a point made.

Originally Posted by Bullitt

Remember rk that Christians' theories on the origins of the universe, earth, humans, etc. are as wide and varied as fish in the dang sea. I just shake my head at some of the stuff that comes out of people's mouths here at my Christian college.
One argument is not going to cover everything a creationist may throw at you. They're like the AIDs virus, it just keeps popping up in new forms and it is doubtful that you'll ever kill it off.

Blasphemer!!!! AIDS evolving!? How dare you?!

Though it is a bit of a thread-jack:
First, ID has been hijacked by creationists. It is not creationism. As I stated in the OP, IDs believe that things were set in motion and designed to work as they do by "some intelligence", they believe in evolution, selective mutation and all other forms of Darwinian/evolution science.
I don't care what people believe, as long as they don't attempt to force it on others and they keep their religion separate from all state functions in all ways.
There is no place in schools for any religious discussion outside of a theology/religion class that teaches the beliefs/dogma alone, no benefit/fault discussion in any way.
Creationism/ID is not science and, therefore, should not be taught as such.
Cannot be tested scientifically, not science, and violates separation of church and state... take your pick... it just has no place in schools.
If you want your kid to be taught metaphysics in place of real science, send them to a private school or home school, it is your right.

Great conversation, will help.

Also, there is an island off the coast of South America, there are some ducks that were blown there that, very quickly, stopped being able to fly because they no longer needed to.
Anyone know the name of the island and/or the ducks?
There are a special, very rare, type of penguin there also that are some of the hottest climate penguins, just a hint.